Visit Finland has launched a new sustainable travel programme complete with ecotourism toolkit and stamp designed to make it easier for travel agents to identify travel companies committed to protecting the environment.
The country’s new Sustainable Travel Finland initiative will aim to support companies and destinations through the social, economic, ecological and cultural steps necessary to place key responsible, ethical and greener travel commitments at the heart of their businesses.
As part of the campaign, Visit Finland has produced an eco-friendly tourism toolkit to assist the process, as well as a label denoting to the international trade sustainable tourism providers and destinations.
Its aims are to nurture, conserve and preserve the country’s natural environment as well as Finnish culture and lifestyle.
Visit Finland is also inviting visitors to make a sustainability pledge “to respect and treasure Finnish nature, its inhabitants and culture” during their visit.
Liisa Kokkarinen, manager regional partnerships at Business Finland, said: “We want to encourage all tourism providers to reduce their impact on the environment through their social, economic and cultural footprint in order to preserve and protect the pristine Finnish countryside for future generations.
“With this new Sustainable Travel Finland programme, we will be able to reward companies and destinations that act in a conscious fashion as well as easily allow the travel trade to recognise companies that are serious about protecting the environment, both constructed and natural.”
Companies and destinations that participate in the programme will be recognised with the Sustainable Travel Finland label and have access to a continuous development model, the latest information on sustainable tourism developments, marketing support, and visibility on Visit Finland channels.